polymerase

noun

po·​ly·​mer·​ase pə-ˈli-mə-rās How to pronounce polymerase (audio) ˈpä-lə-mə-ˌrās How to pronounce polymerase (audio)
-ˌrāz
: any of several enzymes that catalyze the formation of DNA or RNA from precursor substances in the presence of preexisting DNA or RNA acting as a template compare dna polymerase, rna polymerase

Examples of polymerase in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The polymerase therefore copies an incomplete genome more quickly than a complete one. Quanta Magazine, 11 Apr. 2024 While polymerase chase reaction, or PCR, COVID tests are more accurate that rapid antigen tests, they must be administered by a skilled laboratory technician, require special equipment and take up to an hour or more to process. Angela Roberts, Baltimore Sun, 14 Feb. 2024 But the biggest surprise was that the viruses had a polymerase enzyme dedicated to pairing Z bases with T’s during DNA replication. Quanta Magazine, 12 July 2021 Approximately 4 million people with active hepatitis C were identified and treated with the antiviral medication Sovaldi (sofosbuvir), a nucleotide analogue that inhibits the polymerase enzyme of hepatitis C and blocks its replication, effectively eliminating hepatitis C from Egypt. William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 17 Aug. 2022 See all Example Sentences for polymerase 

Word History

First Known Use

1948, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polymerase was in 1948

Dictionary Entries Near polymerase

Cite this Entry

“Polymerase.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polymerase. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

polymerase

noun
: any of several enzymes that catalyze the formation of DNA or RNA from precursor substances in the presence of preexisting DNA or RNA acting as a template
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!